Bridge for Change (BFC) is a nonprofit organisation founded in 2015 by Ocheck Msuva, an old friend of Matt's from his time in Tanzania and a new friend of Georgie's since visiting Tanzania over Christmas 2023.

All of BFC's projects focus on youth empowerment - giving young people the skills and confidence to contribute to the economy, politics and the sustainable development of Tanzania. Over 50% of Tanzania's population is under 18, compared to 17% in the UK. For the last decade, Ocheck has built BFC into an organisation which has reached tens of thousands of young people across Tanzania in a wide-ranging number of initiatives. His success with BFC has led him to be consulted by the Tanzanian government on youth empowerment policy.

BFC's largest project is supporting a campaign called 'Smashed' - an interactive theatre experience in schools which tackles underage drinking. Other projects include 'Agroforestry' - where young rural farmers are supported to increase the sustainability and profitability of their work, 'Career days' - hosted in schools where guest speakers share inspiring stories about alternative career paths and provide mentoring opportunities, and 'Kijana cafe' - a space where young entrepreneurs can meet and share resources to grow their businesses.

Ocheck's personal story is incredible; abandoned by his parents and left to live on the streets as a young child, Ocheck sold street food and had no access to education. He was able to start school when he was taken in by his Auntie and Uncle at age 10, and eventually completed a Master's degree in Politics from the University of Dar es Salaam. It was during this time that Ocheck worked with Cambridge Development Initiative, a charity which Matt volunteered for in 2015-16. After working with Cambridge Development Initiative, Ocheck set up his own organisation, Bridge for Change.

Over the last ten years, Ocheck has dedicated his working life to BFC and runs the organisation full-time. He has built BFC's funding base through charity grants and corporate sponsorship. The majority of the funds have originated from US-based organisations. However, given the recent change in the US administration, significant funding is being withdrawn from the African continent, to the serious detriment of local charities.

Anything you are able to kindly donate will be transferred to Bridge for Change and will make a huge difference to the important work which they do. We would love to see Bridge for Change, a small charity which we feel strongly about, being supported as a wedding gift for us.

Thank you!

Matt & Georgie